by Christopher Davis

Contributor

Professor Miles Fish founded this program in the summer of 2016 when he along with NWACC President Evelyn Jorgenson and 15 other students studied abroad in Sienna, Italy. Professor Fish was first inspired to create this program after years of studying in Sienna as a student himself back in the early 2000s. He had a vision of creating an opportunity for the students to broaden their horizon in terms of education. “The NWACC study abroad program is one of the most cost-efficient programs that any college or university has to offer,” Fish said.  

COVID prevented the college from offering the study abroad trip for a couple of years, but a group of students led by Fish, Victor Chalfant, photography professor, and Chef Vince Pianalto, culinary professor, returned to Italy for studies in 2022.

The experience being offered is a five-week trip in Sienna, Italy where students will be in class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. studying their specific classes and general classes as well. After that, the students become tourists of the country and are allowed to travel as they please. Trips to Florence and Rome are included in the trip, but students are also encouraged to go out and explore other neighboring cities and countries. One of Fish’s favorite historical landmarks to take the students to is the breathtaking cathedral known as the Duomo. Students are allowed to attend services there, even if they are not Catholic.

Another highlight that students seem to enjoy is attending the highly touted Palio race that is held only two times a year in Sienna, Italy. Fish constructed the trip where the students always end up in Sienna during the time of the prestigious race. He wants students to take care of their studies and learn all they can during this trip, but he also wants them to take advantage of living in a whole new country. 

With over 50,000 students traveling from afar to Sienna every summer for study-abroad learning experience, the chances to create meaningful memories and connections are endless. If students have any other questions about the trip being planned for 2024 or simply just want to know more details, they may contact Professor Fish with his email address at mfish@nwacc.edu.